Hygiene Product Pod and Methods of Using Same

ABSTRACT

A hygiene product pod and a method of using the hygiene product pod, the hygiene product pod including a water soluble envelope and the hygiene product sealed in the envelope. The hygiene product includes surfactants in an amount ranging from about 10 wt % to about 40 wt %; polyols in an amount ranging from about 10 wt % to about 30 wt %; polyglyceryl fatty acid esters (PGEs) in an amount ranging from about 10 wt % to about 50 wt %; liquid amides in an amount ranging from about 5 wt % to about 40 wt %; and phospholipids in an amount ranging from about 0 wt % to about 20 wt %, wherein the hygiene product having a free water content of about 9 wt % or less.

CROSS-REFERENCE

This application is a continuation application of U.S. application Ser.No. 16/675,990, filed Nov. 6, 2019, which is incorporated herein byreference in its entirety.

FIELD

Aspects of the present disclosure provide a hygiene product podconfigured for single-use applications, and a method of using such apod.

BACKGROUND

Hygiene products, such as shampoo, bodywash, shaving cream, andconditioner are usually sold in a liquid or gel format. Such hygieneproducts generally contain active agents, such as surfactants and/orconditioners, in addition to significant amounts of water and/orviscosity control agents. Such hygiene products are most commonlyprovided in bottles containing enough product for many applications.While such products are suitable for many consumer applications, thereis a need for smaller amounts of hygiene product, particularly in thetravel and hospitality industries.

Hygiene products have been provided in small bottles for use in thehospitality and/or travel industries. However, the small bottles ofshampoo/conditioner/shaving cream generally found in the hospitalityindustry have a high packaging to product ratio, which contributes tohigher costs and excessive amounts of waste.

In addition, single-dose packages of shampoo/conditioner packaged inplastic sachets, bags, or blister packs have also been developed.However, such packaging is generally not recycled or biodegradable.

SUMMARY

Various embodiments include a hygiene product pod comprising awater-soluble envelope; and a hygiene product sealed in the envelope,the hygiene product comprising, based on the total weight of the hygieneproduct: surfactants in an amount ranging from about 10 wt % to about 40wt %; polyols in an amount ranging from about 10 wt % to about 30 wt %;polyglyceryl fatty acid esters (PGEs) in an amount ranging from about 10wt % to about 50 wt %; liquid amides in an amount ranging from about 5wt % to about 40 wt %; and phospholipids in an amount ranging from about0 wt % to about 20 wt %. The hygiene product having a free water contentof about 9 wt % or less.

Various embodiments include a method of using a hygiene product podcomprising a water-soluble envelope and a hygiene product sealed in theenvelope, the method including applying water to the pod to dissolve theenvelope and release the hygiene product, applying the hygiene productto at least one body part of a user, and rinsing the hygiene productfrom the body part.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and constitutepart of this specification, illustrate exemplary embodiments of theinvention, and together with the general description given above and thedetailed description given below, serve to explain the features of theinvention.

FIG. 1A photograph of the hygiene product pod various embodiments of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 1B is a perspective view of the pod of FIG. 1A after an optionalcutting process.

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of a hygiene product pod, according to variousembodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a top view of a hygiene product pod, according to variousembodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a method of using a hygieneproduct pods, according to various embodiments of the presentdisclosure.

FIGS. 5A and 5B are photographs respectively showing hygiene productpods according to various embodiments of the present disclosure andcomparative hygiene product pods.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The various embodiments will be described in detail with reference tothe accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numberswill be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.References made to particular examples and implementations are forillustrative purposes, and are not intended to limit the scope of theinvention or the claims.

The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example,instance, or illustration.” Any implementation described herein as“exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred oradvantageous over other implementations.

It will also be understood that, as used herein, the terms “the,” “a,”or “an,” mean “at least one,” and should not be limited to “only one”unless explicitly indicated to the contrary. Thus, for example,reference to “a slot” includes examples having two or more slots unlessthe context clearly indicates otherwise.

Ranges can be expressed herein as from “about” one particular value,and/or to “about” another particular value. When such a range isexpressed, examples include from the one particular value and/or to theother particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed asapproximations, by use of the antecedent “about” or “substantially” itwill be understood that the particular value forms another aspect. Insome embodiments, a value of “about X” may include values of +/−1% X. Itwill be further understood that the endpoints of each of the ranges aresignificant both in relation to the other endpoint, and independently ofthe other endpoint.

Various embodiments relate to hygiene product pods in which the hygieneproduct is encapsulated in a water-soluble envelope in a single doseformat. The hygiene product pods may provide cleansing and/orconditioning agents for hair and/or skin. In particular, the hygieneproduct includes active ingredients, such as active ingredients of ashampoo, conditioner, or a combination thereof, within a non-aqueouscarrier that features polyols and polyglycerols.

The component weight percentages disclosed herein are based on the totalweight of the hygiene product, unless otherwise specified.

Hygiene Product Pods

Various embodiments include single-dose hygiene products in the form ofpods. Herein, the term “pod” refers to water-soluble envelope in theshape of a capsule, sphere, drop, or the like, filled with a hygieneproduct. For example, a pod may include an envelope encapsulating aliquid or gel of hygiene product. A pod may have any suitable shapeand/or size. A pod may contain a sufficient amount of hygiene productfor a single use. For example, a pod may contain an amount of shampoosufficient to clean one head of hair, may contain an amount of bodywashsufficient to wash one body, or may contain an amount of a shavingproduct sufficient to shave one or more body parts. As used herein, theterm “shaving product” may refer to shaving cream, shaving gel, or aprecursor composition configured to form a shaving product.

In some embodiments, a pod containing shampoo, conditioner, or shampooand conditioner may range in volume from about 4 g to about 12 g, suchas from about 5 g to about 8 g. A pod containing bodywash may range involume from about 6 g to about 15 g, such as from about 8 g to about 10g. Pods including a concentrated active agent may be smaller than podscontaining undiluted or semi-diluted active agents.

FIG. 1A is a photograph of hygiene product pods 100, according tovarious embodiments. FIG. 1B is a perspective view of the pod 100 ofFIG. 1A, after an optional trimming process. Referring to FIGS. 1A and1B, the pod 100 includes a hygiene product 104 sealed in a water-solubleenvelope 102. The pod 100 may be generally drop-shaped (as shown).However, the pod 100 is not limited to any particular shape. Forexample, the pod 100 may be rectangular, circular, triangular, square,pentagonal, circular, elliptical, tablet-shaped, or the like.

The envelope 102 may be configured to rapidly dissolve in the presenceof a solvent such as water. For example, the envelope 102 may include orbe formed of a water-soluble material, such as polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH),carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), or the like. The water-soluble materialmay be in the form of a film or a woven or non-woven fiber, such as aPVOH or CMC fiber. For example, the envelope 102 may be formed of a PVOHfilm, such as Monosol 9643, available from Kuraray Inc.

The envelope 102 may have a thickness ranging from about 0.5 mm to about5.0 mm. The envelope 102 may have a pH ranging from about 4.0 to about9.0, at a temperature of about 25° C. The envelope 102 may be configuredto dissolve in water at about 25° C. in a time period ranging from about3 seconds to about 15 seconds, such as from about 5 seconds to about 7seconds.

It has been found that forming the envelope 102 of PVOH may beparticularly beneficial. For example, dissolved PVOH may act as afilm-former (e.g., conditioning agent) and/or a foam-boosting agent.Accordingly, a PVOH envelope 102 may unexpectedly improve the propertiesof the hygiene product 104 by adding to suds, bubbles, and/or foam whenin use.

The pod 100 may be formed by sealing two sheets or layers of thewater-soluble material around the hygiene product 104. For example, theenvelope 102 may be formed by placing the hygiene product 104 betweentwo sheets of the water-soluble material, and then sealing theperimeters of the two sheets so as to form a seal region 106 thatextends around the entire perimeter of the pod 100. In some embodiments,the sheets may be partially sealed (e.g., sealed along three sides) toform the envelope 102, after which the hygiene product 104 may beinserted into an open end of the envelope 102 followed by sealing of theopen end to complete the pod 100.

In various embodiments, the sealing may be accomplished using anysuitable sealing method. In some embodiments, the water-soluble materialmay be sealed using a heat sealing method. In other embodiments, thesealing may include the use of a water-soluble adhesive. In someembodiments, pods 100 may be formed using a packing machine, such as aHydroforma packaging machine manufactured by Cloud Packaging Solutions,Des Plaines, Ill.

As shown in FIG. 1B, at least a portion of the seal region 106 may beoptionally removed from the pod 100, to form a tab 108. For example, theenvelope 102 may be cut during manufacturing of the pod 100. The tab 108may operate as a contact point to facilitate handling of the pod 100and/or removal of the pod 100 from product packaging.

In some embodiments, the pod 100 may optionally include an externalmoisture barrier. For example, the moisture barrier may be a hydrophobiccoating or film applied to the outer surface of the envelope 102. Insome embodiments, the moisture barrier may comprise hydrophobicesterified plant tri-glycerides, naturally occurring plant fats, or thelike. In some embodiments, the moisture barrier may be configured tobreakdown or dissolve in warm water.

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of a hygiene product pod 110, according tovarious embodiments. The pod 110 is similar to the pod 100, so only thedifferences therebetween will be described in detail.

Referring to FIG. 2, the pod 110 includes an envelope 102 in which ahygiene product 104 is disposed. In contrast to the pod 100 illustratedin FIG. 1, the envelope 102 is formed by sealing a single folded sheetof the water-soluble material around the hygiene product 104. As aresult, the pod 110 includes a seal region 106 that extends along threesides of the hygiene product 104, and a folded region 112 that extendsbetween opposing ends of the seal region 106.

FIG. 3 is a top view of a hygiene product pod 120 according to variousembodiments. The pod 120 is similar to the pod 100, so only thedifferences therebetween will be described in detail.

Referring to FIG. 3, the pod 120 includes an envelope 102 in which ahygiene product 104 is disposed. In contrast to the pod 100 illustratedin FIG. 1, the envelope 102 is formed by sealing opposing ends of atubular sheet of the water-soluble material in which the hygiene product104 is disposed. As a result, the pod 120 includes seal regions 106disposed at opposing ends of the pod 120.

While three methods of forming pods have been described above, thepresent disclosure is not limited to any particular method of envelopeformation.

Hygiene Products

Conventional liquid hygiene products such, as conventional liquidshampoos, include substantial amount of water as a carrier. As a result,water-based shampoos cannot be stably encapsulated in a water-solubleenvelope, since the high water content prematurely dissolves theenvelope.

In contrast, non-aqueous solid hygiene products, such as dry shampoos,may be stably encapsulated in a water-soluble envelope. However,non-aqueous hygiene products do not provide the rheological propertiesand ease of use provided by conventional water-based shampoos anddesired by consumers. As a result, non-aqueous hygiene products haveexperienced only limited commercial success.

According to various embodiments, the present hygiene product may be asubstantially non-aqueous liquid or gel. For example, the hygieneproduct may have a free water content of about 9 wt % or less, such asabout 5 wt % or less. For example, the hygiene product may have a freewater content ranging from about 1 wt % to about 9 wt %, from about 1 wt% to about 7 wt %, or from about 1 wt % to about 5 wt %.

According to various embodiments, the hygiene product may be in the formof a substantially non-aqueous liquid or gel cleansing product, such asa shampoo, a conditioner, a bodywash, or any combination thereof, suchas a combined shampoo, bodywash, and/or conditioner. In otherembodiments, the hygiene product may be in the form of a substantiallynon-aqueous shaving product, such as a shaving gel, cream, liquid, orthe like.

The hygiene product may include active agents dispersed in amultifunctional carrier. The active agent may include a surfactantand/or a surfactant system comprising a mixture of surfactants, one ormore cleansing agents, and/or one or more conditioning agents. Theconditioning agents may be configured to counteract the inherentharshness of the surfactants. The conditioning agents, carrier,thickeners (e.g., gellants), and/or secondary ingredients may beconfigured to increase the integrity of a pod and/or may operate todisperse the active agent when the pod is dissolved in water.

In various embodiments, the active agents may be in the form of aconcentrate, such as shampoo concentrate, a conditioner concentrate, abodywash concentrate, or any combinations thereof. The active agents maybe in the form of a shaving product concentrate in other embodiments. Insome embodiments, the active agent may include one or more of the abovecomponents in a powdered format.

The multifunctional carrier may be configured such that the hygieneproduct has rheological properties that are expected by consumers, mayfacilitate encapsulation of the hygiene product in a water-solubleenvelope, and may operate to maintain the long-term stability of thehygiene product and/or the envelope.

In various embodiments, the carrier may operate as surfactant vehicleand/or solvent. In some embodiments, the carrier may be selected orconfigured to lower the overall reactivity of the hygiene product andthe envelope. For example, the carrier may operate to control the freewater percentage of the hygiene product.

In some embodiments, the carrier may be a non-aqueous liquid and/or maybe configured to moisten pod components. In some embodiments, thecarrier may also operate as a conditioner for hair and/or skin. Thecarrier may include, for example, polyols, polyglycerols, phospholipids,liquid amides, or combinations thereof.

Surfactants

In various embodiments, the active agents of the hygiene product mayinclude one or more cleansing agents, such as surfactants. For example,the hygiene product may include anionic, nonionic, and/or amphotericsurfactants. In some embodiments, the hygiene product may include asurfactant system including a combination of different surfactants. Thefollowing surfactants may be referred to herein as “primarysurfactants”.

Non-limiting examples of suitable anionic surfactants include alkalimetal sulforicinates, sulfonated glyceryl esters of fatty acids, such assulfonated monoglycerides of coconut oil acids, salts of sulfonatedmonovalent alcohol esters such as sodium oleylisethianate, metal soapsof fatty acids, amides of amino sulfonic acids such as the sodium saltof oleyl methyl tauride, sulfonated products of fatty acids nitriles,such as palmitonitrile sulfonate, sulfonated aromatic hydrocarbons suchas sodium alpha-naphthalene monosulfonate, condensation products ofnaphthalene sulfonic acids with formaldehyde, sodium octahydroanthracenesulfonate, alkali metal alkyl sulfates such as sodium lauryl sulfate,ammonium lauryl sulfate or triethanolamine lauryl sulfate, ethersulfates having alkyl groups of 8 or more carbon atoms, such as sodiumlauryl ether sulfate, ammonium lauryl ether sulfate, sodium alkyl arylether sulfates, and ammonium alkyl aryl ether sulfates,alkylarylsulfonates having 1 or more alkyl groups of 8 or more carbonatoms, alkylbenzenesulfonic acid alkali metal salts exemplified byhexylbenzenesulfonic acid sodium salt, octylbenzenesulfonic acid sodiumsalt, calcium salts, decylbenzenesulfonic acid sodium salt,dodecylbenzenesulfonic acid sodium salt, cetylbenzenesulfonic acidsodium salt, and myristylbenzenesulfonic acid sodium salt, sulphuricesters of polyoxyethylene alkyl ether includingCH₃(CH₂)₆CH₂O(C₂H₄O)₂SO₃H, CH₃(CH₂)₇CH₂O(C₂H₄O)_(3.5)SO₃H,CH₃(CH₂)₈CH₂O(C₂H₄O)₈SO₃H, CH₃(CH₂)₁₉CH₂O(C₂H₄O)₄SO₃H, andCH₃(CH₂)₁₀CH₂O(C₂H₄O)₆SO₃H, sodium salts, potassium salts, and aminesalts of alkylnapthylsulfonic acid.

Non-limiting examples of suitable cationic surfactants include variousfatty acid amines and amides and their derivatives, and the salts of thefatty acid amines and amides. Examples of aliphatic fatty acid aminesinclude dodecylamine acetate, octadecylamine acetate, and acetates ofthe amines of tallow fatty acids, homologues of aromatic amines havingfatty acids such as dodecylanalin, fatty amides derived from aliphaticdiamines such as undecylimidazoline, fatty amides derived from aliphaticdiamines, such as undecylimidazoline, fatty amides derived fromdisubstituted amines such as oleylaminodiethylamine, derivatives ofethylene diamine, quaternary ammonium compounds and their salts whichare exemplified by tallow trimethyl ammonium chloride,dioctadecyldimethyl ammonium chloride, didodecyldimethyl ammoniumchloride, dihexadecyl ammonium chloride, alkyltrimethylammoniumhydroxides such as octyltrimethylammonium hydroxide,dodecyltrimethylammonium hydroxide, or hexadecyltrimethylammoniumhydroxide, dialkyldimethylammonium hydroxides such asoctyldimethylammonium hydroxide, decyldimethylammonium hydroxide,didodecyldimethylammonium hydroxide, dioctadecyldimethylammoniumhydroxide, tallow trimethylammonium hydroxide, trimethylammoniumhydroxide, methylpolyoxyethylene cocoammonium chloride, and dipalmitylhydroxyethylammonium methosulfate, amide derivatives of amino alcoholssuch as beta-hydroxylethylstearylamide, and amine salts of long chainfatty acids.

Non-limiting examples of suitable cationic surfactants include alsoquaternary ammonium halides such as octyl trimethyl ammonium chloride,dodecyl trimethyl ammonium chloride, hexadecyl trimethyl ammoniumchloride, octyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride, decyl dimethyl benzylammonium chloride and coco trimethyl ammonium chloride as well as othersalts of these materials, fatty amines and basic pyridinium compounds,quaternary ammonium bases of benzimidazolines, polypropanolpolyethanolamines, polyethoxylated quaternary ammonium salts and ethylene oxidecondensation products of the primary fatty amines, available from ArmakCompany, Chicago, Ill. under the tradenames Ethoquad, Ethomeen, orArquad. Suitable cationic surfactants can also be an esterquat-typecompound.

In some embodiments, stearamidopropyl dimethylamine is a cationic,flaked, solid tertiary amine surfactant that may be included in thehygiene product. Stearamidopropyl dimethylamine is an effectiveconditioning agent and emulsifier. Stearamidopropyl dimethylamine alsoimproves wet combing and feel, lowers dry hair friction, and softenshair.

Non-limiting examples of suitable nonionic surfactants includecapryloyl/caproyl methyl glucamide and lauroyl/myristoyl methylglucamide, lauryldimethylamine oxide (e.g., lauramine oxide), decylglucosides, polyoxyethylene alkyl ethers, polyoxyethylene alkylphenolethers, polyoxyethylene lauryl ethers, polyoxyethylene sorbitanmonoleates, polyoxyethylene alkyl esters, polyoxyethylene sorbitan alkylesters. Suitable nonionic surfactants include condensates of ethyleneoxide with a long chain (fatty) alcohol or (fatty) acid, condensates ofethylene oxide with an amine or an amide, condensation products ofethylene and propylene oxides, fatty acid alkylol amide and fatty amineoxides. Examples of non-ionic surfactants include polyoxyalkylene alkylethers such as polyethylene glycol long chain (12-14C) alkyl ether,polyoxyalkylene sorbitan ethers, polyoxyalkylene alkoxylate esters,polyoxyalkylene alkylphenol ethers, ethylene glycol propylene glycolcopolymers, polyvinyl alcohol, and alkylpolysaccharides.

Non-limiting examples of suitable amphoteric surfactants includealiphatic secondary or tertiary amine derivatives in which the aliphaticradical is a linear or branched chain containing 8 to 22 carbon atomsand containing-at least one water-soluble anionic group (for examplecarboxylate, sulphonate, sulphate, phosphate or phosphonate); mentionmay also be made of (C₈-C₂₀)alkyl-betaines, sulphobetaines,(C₈-C₂₀)alkylamido(C₁-C₆)alkyl-betaines, or(C₈-C₂₀)alkylamido(C₁-C₆)alkylsulphobetaines. In some embodiments,bocamidopropyl betaine (CAPB) may be included in the hygiene product asan amphoteric surfactant.

In some embodiments, environmentally friendly surfactants may be used,such as sulfate-free surfactants, such as sodium lauryl sulfoacetate,alpha olefin sulfonate, or the like, or combinations thereof.

In some embodiments, the hygiene product may include surfactants derivedfrom natural oils, such as coconut oil, safflower oil, or the like, ornatural materials such as sugar. For example, the hygiene product mayinclude a sodium cocoyl isethionate (Hostapon SCI-85 C, manufactured byClariant Corp.), cocamidopropyl betaine (Chembetaine C-42, manufacturedby Lubrizol Corp.), cocamidopropyl hydroxysultaine (Chembetaine CASmanufactured by Lubrizol Corp.), capryloyl/caproyl methyl glucamide andlauroyl/myristoyl methyl glucamide (GlucoTain Plus, manufactured byClariant Corp.), sodium methyl 2-sulfolaurate (Alpha Step PC-48,manufactured by Stepan Co.), alkyl polyglucoside (Pantaren 2000,manufactured by BASF Corp.) lauramine oxide (Mackamine LO, manufacturedby Solvay Novecare Corp.), or combinations thereof.

In various embodiments, the hygiene product may include a mixture ofprimary surfactants, such as nonionic surfactants or a combination ofnonionic and anionic surfactants. For example, the hygiene product mayinclude the surfactant mixture in an amount ranging from about 5 wt % toabout 50 wt %, such as from about 10 wt % to about 40 wt %, from about20 wt % to about 35 wt %, from about 16 wt % to about 34 wt %, or fromabout 17 to about 33 wt %.

In some embodiments, such as in shampoo and/or bodywash applications,the surfactant system may be free of cationic surfactants. In otherwords, cationic surfactants may be excluded from the hygiene product incertain applications.

In some embodiments, the surfactant system may include at least onenonionic surfactant in an amount ranging from about 7 wt % to about 25wt %, such as from about 8 wt % to about 22 wt %, or from about 9 wt %to about 20 wt %.

In some embodiments, the surfactant system may include at least oneanionic surfactant in an amount ranging from about 0 wt % to about 25 wt%, such as from about 8 wt % to about 22 wt %, or from about 9 wt % toabout 20 wt %.

In some embodiments, the surfactant system may have an anionicsurfactant to nonionic surfactant weight ratio ranging from about 0 toabout 2, such as from about 0.5 to about 1.9, or from about 1.3 to about1.4.

In some embodiments, the surfactant system may include surfactantsselected from sodium cocoyl isothionate, cocamidopropyl hydroxysultaine,capryloyl/caproyl methyl glucamide and lauroyl/myristoyl methylglucamide, sodium methyl 2-sulfolaurate, alkyl polyglucoside, or anycombinations thereof.

Polyols

In some embodiments, the carrier may include one or more polyols thatare compatible with envelope materials such as PVOH. For example, thepolyols may include nonvolatile, low molecular weight molecules that canmodify the PVOH polymer matrix, thereby increasing free volume and chainmobility. Accordingly, one or more of the polyols may function as aplasticizer to improve the flexibility and processability of theenvelope.

The polyols may also operate as solvents, humectants, and/or may controlviscosity. In some embodiments, the hygiene product may include amixture of two or more polyols. For example, the hygiene product mayinclude from about 5 wt % to about 35 wt %, such as from about 10 wt %to about 30 wt %, from about 15 wt % to about 25 wt %, or about 20 wt %,of the polyol mixture.

In some embodiments, the polyols may include glycols and glycerin. Forexample, the glycols may be selected from ethylene glycol, poly(ethyleneglycol), butylene glycol (e.g., 1,3-butylene glycol), hexylene glycol,or dipropylene glycol. In some embodiments, the polyol mixture mayinclude of at least two glycols, at least three glycols, or at leastfour glycols, and may additionally include glycerin.

Hexylene glycol may provide anti-microbial activity, emolliency,moisturization, and/or skin conditioning effects to the hygiene product.Hexylene glycol may also operate to stiffen the envelope.

According to various embodiments, the hygiene product may include from 0wt % to about 5 wt %, such as from about 0.5 wt % to about 4 wt %, orfrom about 1 wt % to about 3 wt % hexylene glycol. In some embodiments,the hexylene glycol content may be limited to about 2 wt %, in order toreduce eye irritation.

Propylene glycol is highly hydrophilic and may operate as a humectantthat moisturizes the skin and/or hair. Propylene glycol may also operateas a solvent to the active agents and may operate as a plasticizer withrespect to the envelope.

According to various embodiments, the hygiene product may include, basedon the total weight of the hygiene product, from about 5 to about 25 wt%, such as from about 10 wt % to about 20 wt %, or about 15 wt %propylene glycol. In some embodiments, the polyol mixture may includepropylene glycol primary component. In other words, the polyol mixturemay include more propylene glycol than other polyols.

Glycerin operates as an active ingredient solvent, an envelopeplasticizer, and a humectant. According to various embodiments, thehygiene product may include from about 0.5 wt % to about 15 wt %, suchas from about 1 wt % to about 10 wt %, or from about 3 wt % to about 8wt % glycerin. In some embodiments, the glycerin content may be limitedto 8 wt % or less, to reduce and/or prevent degradation to the envelope.

Di-propylene glycol is a highly effective solvent, solubilizing agent,and carrying agent for fragrances. The hygiene product may include anamount of di-propylene glycol sufficient to solubilize an amount offragrance oils and/or essential oils included in the hygiene product.For example, the hygiene product may include a 2:1 weight ratio ofdi-propylene glycol to fragrances and/or essential oils.

According to various embodiments, the hygiene product may include from 0wt % to about 7 wt %, such as from about 0.1 wt % to about 6 wt %, orabout 2 wt % to about 5 wt % di-propylene glycol.

Butylene glycol operates as a humectant that moisturizes the skin and/orhair. Butylene glycol may also operate as a solvent with respect to theactive agents, and may operate as a plasticizer with respect to theenvelope. Butylene glycol may also operate as a conditioning agent.

According to various embodiments, the hygiene product may include, basedon the total weight of the hygiene product, from 0 wt % to about 10 wt%, such as from about 0.5 wt % to about 8 wt %, or from about 2 wt % toabout 6 wt %, butylene glycol. In some embodiments, the butylene glycolcontent may be limited to 10 wt % or less, in order to prevent anexcessive viscosity increase in the hygiene product. In someembodiments, the hygiene product may be free of butylene glycol.

Polyglyceryl Fatty Acid Esters

According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the carriermay include one or more polyglyceryl fatty acid esters (PGEs) configuredto provide emulsification and/or increase foaming. The PGEs may operateto solvate the active agents without reducing envelope stability.

The PGEs may include polyglyceryl monoesters and multi-esters. Inshampoo and bodywash applications, the PGEs may have ahydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB) value of at least 9, such as atleast 10 or at least 11. For example, the PGEs may includepolyglyceryl-2 caprate, polyglyceryl-3 caprate, polyglyceryl-3 laurate,polyglyceryl-6 esters, or any combinations thereof.

In various embodiments, the hygiene product may include from about 0.1to about 60 wt %, such as from about 10 wt % to about 50 wt %, fromabout 12 wt % to about 45 wt %, or from about 15 wt % to about 35 wt %of one or more PGEs.

Polyglyceryl-2 caprate is a liquid compound derived from polyglycerinand a fatty acid. Polyglyceryl-2 caprate may operate as an emulsifier tocreate fine, creamy bubbles, especially when combined with anionicsurfactants. It is an excellent thickener with good thermostableviscosity. Polyglyceryl-2 caprate can be used as deodorizing ingredientbecause of its reaction to gram-positive bacteria making it an idealaddition for anhydrous body wash and shampoo formulations.

The hygiene product may include, from about 0 wt % to about 50 wt %,such as from about 0.1 wt % to about 40 wt %, or from about 5 wt % toabout 30 wt %, polyglyceryl-2 caprate. Amounts of over 50 wt % arepossible, but prevent the hygiene product from including appropriateamounts of other ingredients, such as surfactants, conditioning agents,etc., for a given application.

Polyglyceryl-3 caprate is a liquid nonionic co-surfactant and refattingagent with an estimated HLB value of 10-13. This PEG-free refattingagent helps to prevent the skin from drying and provides a luxurious andsoft skin feel. It also provides a mild antimicrobial and deodorizingeffect.

The hygiene product may include from about 0 wt % to about 25 wt %, suchas from about 0.1 wt % to about 20 wt %, or from about 5 wt % to about15 wt %, polyglyceryl-3 caprate. It is believed that polyglyceryl-3caprate amounts of greater than 25% may result in decreased foam heightand bubble size in some formulations.

In some embodiments, the hygiene product may include polyglyceryl-2caparate esters in an amount ranging from about 10 wt % to about 30 wt%, and polyglyceryl-3 caparate in an amount ranging from about 4 wt % toabout 24 wt %.

Polyglyceryl-3 laurate may provide moisturization, humectant, andemollient properties in both hair and skin formulations. Polyglyceryl-3laurate is also completely dispersible in water.

The hygiene produce may include from about 0 wt % to about 30 wt %, suchas from about 0.1 wt % to about 20 wt %, or from about 5 wt % to about18 wt %, polyglyceryl-3 laurate. It is believed that polyglyceryl-3laurate amounts of greater than 20 wt % may result in decreased foamheight and bubble size in some formulations.

Sunflower oil polyglyceryl-6 esters may be obtained by thetransesterification of sunflower seed oil and polyglycerin-6. Thecompound is an amphiphilic ester that promotes shine and skin and hairsoftening attributes without negatively affecting the foam bycontributing to emollient overload.

The hygiene product may include from about 0 to about 15 wt %, such asfrom about 0.1 wt % to about 12 wt %, from about 1 wt % to about 11 wt%, or from about 2 wt % to about 7 wt %, polyglyceryl-6 esters. It isbelieved that the hygiene product may include polyglyceryl-6 esters inamounts of up to 50 wt %. However, amounts of 15 wt % or less may bepreferable due to the extreme cost and low commercial availability ofthis ingredient.

In some embodiments, the hygiene product may include polyglyceryl-6esters in an amount ranging from about 1 wt % to about 11 wt %, andpolyglyceryl-2 caparate in an amount ranging from about 5 wt % to about15 wt %.

In conditioning applications, the hygiene product may include PGEshaving HLB values of about 9 or less, such as about 8 or less, or about6 or less. In such hygiene products, the PGEs may be used in conjunctionwith cationic conditioning agents and triglycerides.

Liquid Amides

According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the hygieneproduct may include one or more liquid amides. The liquid amides may beconfigured to operate as secondary surfactants, solubilizers,emollients, and/or emulsifiers.

For example, the hygiene product may include one or more liquid amidesin an amount ranging from about 0 wt % to about 45 wt %, such as fromabout 5 wt % to about 40 wt %, from about 6 wt % to about 20 wt %, orfrom about 8 wt % to about 15 wt %.

For example, lactamide monoethanolamine (LMEA) (Pheonamid LMEA,available from Phoenix Chemical, Inc.) is a liquid amide humectant thatmay impart smooth, non-greasy feel and sheen to skin and/or hair.

In various embodiments, the hygiene product may include LMEA in anamount ranging from about 0 wt % to about 20 wt %, such as from about 1wt % to about 15 wt %, from about 2 wt % to about 12 wt %, or from about3 wt % to about 9 wt %.

Dimethyl lauramide/myristamide (Ninol CAA, available from Stephan Co.)is a liquid amide secondary surfactant configured to optimize carriercharacteristics without reducing cleansing performance. Ninol CAA is anitrosamine-free, 100% active, liquid amide that enables theimperceptible reduction of surfactant levels, solubilizes fragrances,and may substitute other amides.

In various embodiments, the hygiene product may include Ninol CAA in anamount ranging from about 0 wt % to about 20 wt %, such as from about 1wt % to about 15 wt %, from about 3 wt % to about 10 wt %, or from about2 wt % to about 4 wt %.

Lauryl lactyl lactate (Stepan-Mild L3, available from Stephan Co.) is anaturally-derived, multi-functional emollient/surfactant liquid amideformed as the product of reacting lauryl alcohol and lactic acid.Stepan-Mild L3 may operate as a viscosity builder, foam booster,emulsifier, and emollient.

In various embodiments, the hygiene product may include STEPAN-MILD L3in an amount ranging from about 0 wt % to about 20 wt %, such as fromabout 0.5 wt % to about 15 wt %, from about 1 wt % to about 10 wt %, orfrom about 2 wt % to about 7 wt %.

Phospholipids

According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the hygieneproduct may include one or more phospholipids configured to operate as afoam enchancer and/or cleanser. For example, the hygiene product mayinclude from about 0 wt % to about 20 wt %, such as from about 1 wt % toabout 15 wt %, or from about 5 wt % to about 10 wt % of one or morephospholipids.

In some embodiments, the hygiene product may include phospholipidsselected from cocamidopropyl PG-dimonium chloride phosphate (Cola LipidC, manufactured by Colonial Chemical Inc.), linoleamidopropylPG-dimonium chloride phosphate (Cola Lipid SAFL, manufactured byColonial Chemical Inc.), or combinations thereof.

In some embodiments, the hygiene product may include substantially equalamounts of different phospholipids. For example, the hygiene product mayinclude substantially equal amounts of Cola Lipid C and Cola Lipid SAFL.

Additional Conditioners

In some embodiments, the hygiene product may include one or moreadditional conditioners. Non-limiting examples of suitable additionalconditioners include petrolatum, fatty acids, esters of fatty acids,fatty alcohols, ethoxylated alcohols, polyol polyesters, glycerinmono-esters, glycerin polyesters, epidermal and sebaceous hydrocarbons,lanolin, straight and branched hydrocarbons, silicone oil, silicone gum,vegetable oil, vegetable oil adduct, hydrogenated vegetable oils,nonionic polymers, natural waxes, synthetic waxes, polyolefinic glycols,polyolefinic monoester, polyolefinic polyesters, cholesterols,cholesterol esters, triglycerides and mixtures thereof.

Preferable additional conditioners may include pyrrolidone carboxylicacid (PCA) glyceryl Oleate (SOFTISAN conditionHAIR, available from IOIOleo GmbH), which is a natural skin and hair conditioning agent, andbetaine (Genencare OSMS BA, available from DuPont Nutrition andBiosciences Inc.).

Additional Emulsifiers/Stabilizers

In various embodiments, the hygiene product may include one or moreadditional emulsifiers that may operate to further stabilize the hygieneproduct. For example, the hygiene product may include non-ionic,oil-in-water emulsifiers configured to create a lamellar or bilayeredstructure. For example, the emulsifiers may include non-ionicemulsifiers, such as, a mixture of cetearyl alcohol and cetearylglucoside (Monatov 68, available from Seppic Corp.), glycerol stearate(Lipo GMS 450, available from Lipo Chemicals Corp.), or a combinationthereof.

In some embodiments, the hygiene product may include a non-ionic,oil-in-water emulsifier in an amount ranging from about 0 wt % to about3 wt %, such as from about 0.2 wt % to about 2 wt %, or from about 0.8wt % to about 1.3 wt %.

In some embodiments, the emulsifiers may include hygroscopic polymers,such as guar gum (e.g., Cyamopsis tetragonoloba gum), cationic guar gum,xanthan gum, starch, pregelatinized starch, modified starches, such ashydroxypropyl starch phosphate and sodium starch glycolate, honey,polyvinyl pyrolidone (PVP), ExpertGel EG312 (poloxamer 338/PPG-12/SMDIcopolymer) available from DKSH Inc., ExpertGel EG412 (poloxamer 407,PPG-12/SMDI copolymer) available from DKSH Inc, combinations thereof, orthe like. In some embodiments, the thickeners may include cellulosederivatives such as carboxymethyl cellulose, cellulose gum, or tylosepowder. In some embodiments, the hygiene product may include apolyoxyethylene ether.

In some embodiments, the emulsifiers may include a hydroscopic polymerthickener in an amount ranging from about 0 wt % to about 0.4 wt %, suchas from about 0.05 wt % to about 0.3 wt %, or from about 0.1 wt % toabout 0.2 wt %.

For example, the hygiene product may include a modified starch thickenerin an amount ranging from about 0.1 wt % to about 3 wt %, such as fromabout 0.2 wt % to about 2 wt %, or from about 0.3 wt % to about 1 wt %.

In some embodiments, the thickeners may include nonionic surfactantsconfigured to form a lamellar network. For example, the thickeners mayinclude a lamellar network formed from polyoxyethylene ethers includinga mixture of high molecular mass saturated fatty alcohols, mainly cetylalcohol and stearyl alcohol, such as ceteareth-20. In some embodiments,the hygiene product may include a nonionic surfactant in an amountranging from about 8 wt % to about 18 wt %, such as about 12 wt %.

Carrier Diffusion Control

In some embodiments, the envelope of the hygiene product pod may havesome amount of permeability with respect to the hygiene product. Thiscould lead to diffusion of one or more components of the hygiene productthrough the envelope over time, which may reduce pod shelf-life. Forexample, an envelope formed of PVOH could inherently have some amountpermeability with respect the butylene glycol carrier. Accordingly, thehygiene product may include thickeners configured to reduce carrierpermeation through the envelope.

In various embodiments, thickeners such as carboxymethyl cellulose,cellulose gum, or tylose powder may be optionally added to the hygieneproduct to reduce diffusion through the envelope. For example, tylosepowder may be added to the hygiene product in an amount ranging fromabout 0.05 wt % to about 0.5 wt %, such as from about 0.15 wt % to about0.25 wt %, or about based on the total weight of the hygiene product.

Secondary Ingredients

In various embodiments, the hygiene product pods may include secondaryingredients. For example, the secondary ingredients may includebuffers/pH adjusters, dyes/colorants, moisturizers, fragrances,vitamins, texture modifiers, essential oils, foam enhancers, andanti-microbial agents, combinations thereof, or the like. In variousembodiments, hygiene products may include from about 0 wt % to about 8wt % secondary ingredients.

The buffers/pH adjusters may include calcium ions, potassium ions, orhydroxide ions, any combination thereof, or any salts or compoundscapable of generation such ions. The buffers/pH adjusters may be blendedat various ratios, in order to provide a suitable pH. For example, asuitable amount of buffer/pH adjuster may be added to the hygieneproduct to provide a slightly acidic pH for compatibility with PVOHenvelopes. For example, the hygiene product may advantageously have aroom temperature pH ranging from about 5 to about 9, such as from about4.8 to about 6.9, or from about 5.0 to about 6.8.

In some embodiments, the secondary ingredients may include essentialoils such as argan oil, sunflower oil, lavender oil, rosemary oil, cedarwood oil, thyme oil, peppermint oil, chamomile oil, sage oil, lemon oil,patchouli oil, tea tree oil, ylang oil, vetiver oil, carrot seed oil,cypress oil, helichrysum oil, combinations thereof, or the like.

In some embodiments, hygiene products may include moisturizers such asbetaine (Genencare OSMS BA, manufactured by Dupont Corp.). In someembodiments, hygiene products may include vitamins such as tocopherol,DL Panthenol, or combinations thereof.

Secondary ingredients useful for improving dissolvability and/or foamingmay include coconut milk powder, arrow root powder, colloidal oatmealpowder, combinations thereof, or the like. In various embodiments,hygiene products may include a secondary ingredient, such as coconutmilk powder, arrow root powder, colloidal oatmeal powder, or anycombination thereof, in an amount ranging from about 0 wt % to about 22wt %, such as from about 5 wt % to about 20 wt %, or from about 8 wt %to about 15 wt %. Colloidal oatmeal powder may also operate as a texturemodifier to provide a smoother texture.

Any suitable colorant may be used. Hygiene products may include acolorant in an amount ranging from about 0 wt % to about 0.3 wt %, suchas from about 0.1 wt % to about 0.2 wt %.

In various embodiments, a suitable fragrance may be used. Usefulfragrances may be in liquid form, such as traditional fragrances thatare combinations of synthetic and natural compounds, natural fragrancesthat consist of a blend of natural extracts and essential oils, oressential oils in the pure and neat form. Hygiene products may include afragrance oil in an amount ranging from about 0 wt % to about 0.3 wt %,such as from about 0.1 wt % to about 0.2 wt %.

In various embodiments, texture modifiers may include micro or macroabrasive agents, such as when a pod includes a body scrub. Suitableabrasive agents include, for example, nut powders, silica powders,polymer beads such as wax beads, combinations thereof, or the like. Insome embodiments, hygiene products may include an abrasive agent in anamount ranging from about 0 wt % to about 3 wt %, such as from about 0.1wt % to about 2 wt %, or from about 0.2 wt % to about 1 wt %.

In various embodiments, anti-microbial agents may be natural materialshaving anti-microbial effects. For example, anti-microbial agents mayinclude thyme oil, tea tree oil, oregano oil, lavender oil, citrusessential oil, grapefruit seed extract, olive leaf extract, honey, orthe like. Hygiene products may include an anti-microbial agent in anamount ranging from about 0 wt % to about 3 wt %, such as from about 0.1wt % to about 2 wt %, or from about 0.2 wt % to about 1 wt %.

Method of Using Hygiene Product Pods

FIG. 4 is a process flow diagram illustrating a method of using ahygiene product pod according to various embodiments. Referring to FIG.4, in step 402, a pod as described above may be removed from a containeror packaging and may be placed in the hand of a user. The container mayinclude multiple pods and may be configured to limit the exposure of thepods contained therein to moisture. For example, the container may beformed of water resistant paper or paperboard, such as the types ofpaper used for packaging soap, sugar, or flour. In other embodiments,the pods may be packaged in biodegradable or recyclable packs, forexample, in blister packs, polylactic acid bags, for example.Accordingly, the pods may be packaged in a single dose format withminimal environmental impact.

In step 404, water is applied to the pod, such as while holding the podin one's hands. In some embodiments, friction and/or agitation may alsooptionally be applied to the pod. The pod may remain in contact with thewater in the user's hand and the optional friction may be applied, for atime period sufficient for the water to dissolve the envelope of the podand release the hygiene product contained therein. For example, a timeperiod for completely or substantially completely dissolving theenvelope of the pod may range from about 0.5 seconds to about 1 minute,such as from about 1 second to about 30 seconds, from about 1 second toabout 20 seconds, or from about 1 second to about 10 seconds. Thedissolution time may vary according to an amount of applied frictionand/or the temperature of the applied water (e.g., increased frictionand/or water temperatures may result in a reduced dissolution time).

In step 406, the hygiene product is applied to the body of the user. Forexample, the hygiene product may be applied to the hair of the user,when the hygiene product is in the form of a shampoo and/or a combinedshampoo, conditioner, and/or bodywash. In other embodiments, hygieneproduct may be applied to the body and/or hair of the user, when thehygiene product is in the form of bodywash, a combined shampoo andbodywash, and/or a combined bodywash, shampoo, and conditioner. In otherembodiments, the hygiene product may be applied to areas of the user'sskin where hair is intended to be removed, when the hygiene produce isin the form of a shaving product.

In step 408, the hygiene product may be rinsed from the applied area orareas. Exemplary Formulations

The following Tables 1 and 2 include Examples 1-15 of exemplary hygieneproduct compositions according to various embodiments of the presentdisclosure. The following Table 3 includes Comparative Examples 1-5 ofcomparative hygiene product compositions.

TABLE 1 Ex. 1 Ex. 2 Ex. 3 Ex. 4 Ex. 5 Ex. 6 Ex. 7 Component Wt. % Wt. %Wt. % Wt. % Wt. % Wt. % Wt. % Hostapon SCI-85P 13 14.3 11 8 10.5Chembetaine CAS 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 Glucotain Plus 6 9 6 6 6 5 8.5 Alpha StepPC-48 6 Alkyl 8 11 11 2 1 Polyglucoside Propylene Glycol 5 9 9 9 11 11.514 Hexylene Glycol 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 Di-propylene 7 6 6 5 6 4 2 GlycolGlycerin 3 4 4 4 4 4 6 Polyglyceryl-6 10 10 7 3 Est. Polyglyceryl-3 Cap.Polyglyceryl-2 12.5 10.5 10.9 10 14 Cap. Cola Lipid C 5 4 4 4 4 4 4 ColaLipid SAFL 3 2 2 2 2 2 2 Phoenamid LMEA 11 11 11 8 9 9.1 7.8 Stepan MildL3 10.85 12 13 2 4 4 5 Nino CAA 10.85 11 12 2 4 4 3 Additives 19.2 9.47.5 10 13.1 11.4 6.6

TABLE 2 Ex. 8 Ex. 9 Ex. 10 Ex. 11 Ex. 12 Ex. 13 Ex. 14 Ex. 15 ComponentWt. % Wt. % Wt. % Wt. % Wt. % Wt. % Wt. % Wt. % Hostapon SCI-85 P 11.5 913 8 11 13 10 11.5 Chembetaine CAS 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 Glucotain Plus 8.55.5 5.5 5.5 5.5 5.5 5.5 5.5 Alpha Step PC-48 6 3.5 4.5 4.5 5.5 5.5 54.35 Alkyl 1 1 1 1 1 1 1.2 1.5 Polyglucoside Propylene Glycol 18.5 14 145 15 15 14 14 Hexylene Glycol 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 Di-propylene GlycolGlycerin 6 4.1 4.1 4.1 4.1 4.1 4.1 4.1 Polyglyceryl-6 Est. 2.6Polyglyceryl-3 20 15 23 8 8 7.95 7.95 Cap. Polyglyceryl-2 18.5 13 13 2421 21.5 25 26 Cap. Cola Lipid C 4 4 4 4 4 4 4.5 4.5 Cola Lipid SAFL 2 22 2 2 2 2 2 Phoenamid LMEA 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 Stepan Mild L3 5 7 7 2 7 5 77 Nino CAA 3 3 3 3 3 3 2 0 Additives 4.6 4.6 4.6 4.6 3.6 4.4 3.7 3.6

TABLE 3 Comp. Comp. Comp. Comp. Comp. Ex. 1 Ex. 2 Ex. 3 Ex. 4 Ex. 5Component Wt. % Wt. % Wt. % Wt. % Wt. % Hostapon SCI-85 P 13 13 13 13 13Chembetaine CAS 5.8 5 9.6 5 6 Glucotain Plus 11 11 10 11 11 Alpha StepPC-48 Alkyl Polyglucoside Butylene Glycol 25 10 25 0 25 Propylene Glycol0 9 2.4 18 0 Hexylene Glycol 2 2 2 2 2 Di-propylene Glycol GlycerinPolyglyceryl-6 Est. Polyglyceryl-3 Cap. Polyglyceryl-2 Cap. Cola Lipid C5 7 0 6.5 5 Cola Lipid SAFL 5 7 0 6.5 3.2 Phoenamid LMEA 11 11 11 11 11Stepan Mild L3 Nino CAA Additives 19.1 21.5 23.5 23.5 20.5

The components of each of Examples 1-12 and Comparative Examples 1-5were mixed to form hygiene products. The hygiene products were thenpackaged to form pods using methods as described above. In particular,the hygiene products were encapsulated between sheets of PVOH using aroll coater and sealing device.

FIG. 5A a photograph showing a sheet formed by depositing and sealing ofa composition according to one of Comparative Example 1, between twosheets of PVOH, and FIG. 5B is a photograph showing a sheet formed bythe deposition and sealing of the hygiene product according to one ofExample. 1, between two sheets of PVOH.

As shown in FIG. 5A, the comparative hygiene product had a relativelyhigh viscosity, which resulted in tailing between deposits of thecomparative hygiene product. In particular, the viscosity of thecomparative hygiene product caused the product to form a “tail” betweenthe deposits of the product on the underlying PVOH sheet and thedeposition apparatus. As a result, the deposits overlapped one another,and the sealing process did not produce discretely sealed deposits thatcould be cut into individual sealed pods. Similar results were obtainedfor Comparative Examples 2-5.

In particular, Comparative Examples 2-5 were formulated in an attempt toreduce the viscosity of the compositions and prevent tailing, bymodifying the polyol amounts and compositions. Comparative Example 5 hadthe lowest viscosity. However, the sodium cocoyl isethionate was held ina gel like suspension that was still too viscus to prevent tailing orprovide self-leveling in Comparative Example 5.

In contrast, as shown in FIG. 5B, the hygiene product of Example 1 had arelatively low viscosity that allowed for the formation of discretedeposits of the hygiene product on the underlying PVOH sheet. As such,the deposits could be discretely sealed and the sheet could be easilycut to form individual pods. Similar results were obtained for Examples2-12.

In Examples 1-3 were compositions that included relatively high amountsof two the liquid amides, dimethyl lauramide/myristamide (Ninol CAA) andlauryl lactyl lactate (Stephan Mild L3). The addition of these liquidamides, combined with the removal of gelling agents, lowered theviscosity of the formulation. In particular, there was a gradual andslight improvement with regards to viscosity and thinning consistency asthe total amounts of Ninol CAA and Stepan Mild 3 were increased from22.7 wt % to 26 wt %. Unfortunately, there was a corresponding drop infoaming action and cleansing with the increase in liquid amides.

Example 3 included a polyglyceryl fatty acid ester (polyglyceryl-2caprate) and a corresponding reduction in surfactant content. As aresult, Example 3 exhibited a substantial reduction in foaming ascompared to Examples 1 and 2.

Examples 4-8 were compositions that included a combination of twopolyglyceryl fatty acid esters (polyglyceryl-2 caprate andpolyglycerol-6 esters) and reduced amounts of liquid amides. Inparticular, higher amounts of polyglyceryl-2 caprate were found toreduce viscosity of the compositions without significantly reducingfoaming and cleansing performance. As such, polyglyceryl-2 caprate wasshown to provide functions similar to water used in conventionalshampoo. The addition of polyglyceryl-2 caprate was also found to allowthe drastic reduction in the amounts of Ninol CAA and Stepan Mild L3,which were thought to be limiting with respect to foam height andcleansing ability.

Examples 9-15 were composition that included combinations ofpolyglyceryl-2 caprate and polyglyceryl-3 caprate, with thepolyglyceryl-3 caprate being used in place of the polyglyceryl-6 estersof Examples 4-8. In particular, Examples 9-15 included varying amountsof both SCI powder and polyglyceryl-3 caprate, in order to maximize foamheight while maintaining a thin viscosity that is rapidly self-leveling.Examples 9-15 demonstrate that amounts of SCI powder ranging from about9.5 wt % to about 10.5 wt % provide unexpectedly good foaming andviscosity characteristics. In addition, polyglyceryl-3 caprate amountsabove about 8 wt % decrease foam bubble size and wall stability, whichunexpectedly provides a rich milky lather that dissipates quickly anddoes not build.

The preceding description of the disclosed embodiments is provided toenable any person skilled in the art to make or use the presentinvention. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readilyapparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles definedherein may be applied to other embodiments without departing from thescope of the invention. Thus, the present invention is not intended tobe limited to the aspects and/or embodiments shown herein but is to beaccorded the widest scope consistent with the following claims and theprinciples and novel features disclosed herein.

1.-20. (canceled)
 21. A hygiene product pod comprising: a water-solubleenvelope; and an emulsified liquid hygiene product sealed in theenvelope, the liquid hygiene product comprising, based on the totalweight of the hygiene product: about 1 wt % water; a polyol in an amountranging from about 5 wt % to about 35 wt %, wherein the polyol is atleast one of ethylene glycol, poly(ethylene glycol), butylene glycol,hexylene glycol, propylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, or glycerin; apolyglyceryl fatty acid ester (PGE) having a hydrophilic-lipophilicbalance of at least 9; and at least of: sodium cocoyl isethionate,cocamidopropyl betaine, cocamidopropyl hydroxysultaine, capryloyl methylglucamide, caproyl methyl glucamide, lauroyl methyl glucamide, myristoylmethyl glucamide, sodium methyl 2-sulfolaurate, alkyl polyglucoside,lauramine oxide, lactamide monoethanolamine, dimethyllauramide/myristamide, lauryl lactyl lactate, and any combinationthereof.
 22. The hygiene product pod of claim 21, wherein the liquidhygiene product further comprises liquid amides in an amount rangingfrom about 5 wt % to about 40 wt %.
 23. The hygiene product pod of claim21, wherein the liquid hygiene product comprises sodium methyl2-sulfolaurate, and wherein the sodium methyl 2-sulfolaurate is presentin an amount of from about 3.5 wt % to about 6 wt %.
 24. The hygieneproduct pod of claim 21, wherein the liquid hygiene product comprises acombination of capryloyl methyl glucamide, caproyl methyl glucamide,lauroyl methyl glucamide, and myristoyl methyl glucamide.
 25. Thehygiene product pod of claim 21, wherein the combination of capryloylmethyl glucamide, caproyl methyl glucamide, lauroyl methyl glucamide,and myristoyl methyl glucamide is present in an amount of from about 5wt % to about 11 wt %.
 26. The hygiene product pod of claim 21, whereinthe liquid hygiene product comprises lauryl lactyl lactate, wherein thelauryl lactyl lactate is present in an amount of from about 0.5 wt % toabout 15 wt %.
 27. The hygiene product pod of claim 21, wherein theliquid hygiene product comprises lactamide monoethanolamine, wherein thelactamide monoethanolamine is present in an amount of from about 1 wt %to about 15 wt %.
 28. The hygiene product pod of claim 21, wherein theliquid hygiene is a shampoo, a conditioner, bodywash or shave cream. 29.The hygiene product pod of claim 21, wherein the water-soluble envelopecomprises polyvinyl alcohol or carboxymethylcellulose.
 30. The hygieneproduct pod of claim 21, wherein the liquid hygiene product furthercomprises pyrrolidone carboxylic acid glyceryl oleate.
 31. A hygieneproduct pod comprising: a water-soluble envelope; and an emulsifiedliquid hygiene product sealed in the envelope, wherein the liquidhygiene product is a shampoo, conditioner, bodywash, or shaving creamand comprises, based on the total weight of the hygiene product: a firstpolyol in an amount ranging from about 5 wt % to about 35 wt %, whereinthe first polyol is at least one of: ethylene glycol, poly(ethyleneglycol), butylene glycol, hexylene glycol, propylene glycol, dipropyleneglycol, or glycerin; a second polyol in an amount ranging from about 10wt % to about 60 wt %, wherein the second polyol is at least onepolyglyceryl fatty acid ester (PGE) selected from the group consistingof polyglyceryl-2 caprate, polyglyceryl-3 caprate, polyglyceryl-3laurate, and polyglyceryl-6 esters.
 32. The hygiene product pod of claim31, wherein the liquid hygiene product further comprises surfactants inan amount ranging from about 5 wt % to about 50 wt %,
 33. The hygieneproduct pod of claim 32, wherein the surfactant is a nonionic surfactantin an amount of from about 7 wt % to about 25 wt %.
 34. The hygieneproduct pod of claim 32, wherein the surfactant is an anionic surfactantin an amount of from about 8 wt % to about 22 wt %.
 35. The hygieneproduct pod of claim 34, wherein the liquid product comprises an anionicsurfactant to nonionic surfactant weight ratio of from about 0.5 toabout 1.9.
 36. The hygiene product pod of claim 31, wherein the liquidhygiene product further comprises cetyl alcohol or stearyl alcohol. 37.The hygiene product pod of claim 31, wherein the liquid hygiene productfurther comprises liquid amides in an amount ranging from about 5 wt %to about 40 wt %.
 38. The hygiene product pod of claim 31, wherein theliquid hygiene product further comprises pyrrolidone carboxylic acidglyceryl oleate.
 39. The hygiene product pod of claim 31, wherein theliquid hygiene product further comprises lactamide monoethanolamine. 40.The hygiene product pod of claim 31, wherein the water-soluble envelopecomprises polyvinyl alcohol or carboxymethylcellulose.